Sponsors

One of the most frequent questions I get from viewers and aspiring professional bass anglers is about how to handle sponsors. The biggest mistake I see a lot of anglers make actually comes after they get the sponsor!



Many times, anglers are willing to put in hours upon hours to get the company on board, yet do not nurture the relationship for the long term. You cannot wait around for them to call you to see what you have been up to in the bassin' world. You have to show them!

Today's digital cameras and email distribution of photos and reports make it easier than ever for anglers to stay on the sponsor's radar screen. I suggest keeping a digital camera with you wherever you go, and capitalize on all photo ops that present themselves. Anything that shows you exposing their products and name to the public is extremely valuable.

I try to collect these photos, articles and other information and submit them to my sponsors quarterly in a brief one to two page quarterly report which can be easily emailed as a pdf. Another nice touch is a year ending summary, sort of your "State of the Union" address to them that outlines the positives of the previous year and you opportunities and outlook for the upcoming year. I've always said, "You keep a sponsor by keeping in touch!"